Galium palustre aka Common Marsh Bedstraw

Galium palustre is a herbaceous perennial in the Rubiaceae family. Its common names include marsh bedstraw and briwydden y gors. It is native to Great Britain and Ireland. This species grows in wet places, including marshes. In gardens, it suits wildflower meadows and wildlife planting. Its small flowers and thin stems give it a light form.

The plant forms clumps and loses its leaves in winter. Garden plants reach about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] in height. Their spread can also reach 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. The listed garden range for both starts at 0.3 feet [0.1 metres]. Plants reach their full size within one to two years. The slender stems bear mid-green leaves in whorls. Each whorl holds four to six leaves around the stem. This repeated leaf pattern is a clear feature of the plant.

Flowering runs from early summer through late summer. Pinkish buds open into small flowers with four petals. Most flowers are white, though some have a greenish tint. Red anthers add a small point of contrast. Each flower measures up to 3 millimetres across. The flowers form loose panicles with a broad, pyramid-like outline. These open clusters sit above and among the leafy stems. The small blooms give the plant a fine-textured summer display.

Grow marsh bedstraw in sun or partial shade. It needs moist soil with plenty of humus. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk soils. Acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions all fall within its range. Soil may drain well or poorly, provided it stays moist. Both exposed and sheltered sites suit this species. East-, south-, and west-facing positions are listed as suitable. The RHS gives it a hardiness rating of H7. This rating covers winter temperatures below −20°C under UK conditions.

Routine pruning is not needed for this clump-forming perennial. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. These traits keep its routine care needs low. Sow seed when ripe to raise new plants. Another method is to separate the rhizomes in autumn. Early spring is also a suitable time for this work. Its wet-ground needs make it a choice for moist meadow planting. Wildlife gardens offer another setting where its summer flowers can fit.